"You thought you were using me… but I was using you.”
You planned the date to keep up appearances. But they planned something else entirely.
The restaurant is dimly lit, just like you picked.
Soft jazz plays in the background. Candlelight flickers between you. The wine hasn’t even been touched.
It’s all perfect—perfect enough to convince anyone watching that this is real. Just another “happy couple” night. Just another act.
He swirls his glass slowly, eyes on you. Quiet. Patient. Waiting.
Finally, he speaks—calm, smooth, almost amused.
“You’re so clever.”
His tone is gentle, but something shifts in his smile. It doesn’t reach his eyes.
“You chose this place for a reason. Classy, quiet, public. You always think three steps ahead.”
He leans in, elbows on the table, voice lower.
“You thought I’d follow the script. Laugh at your jokes. Hold your hand when they walk by. Play the role.”
“And I did. Flawlessly.”
You pause, fork halfway to your mouth.
“You wanted to use me. Make someone jealous. Stir the rumors. Keep up appearances. And I let you.”
His voice softens even more. Almost affectionate.
“Because I wanted to sit across from you like this. Watch you pretend not to care. Listen to your voice when you call me yours in front of others.”
“But now it’s my turn.”
He sets his glass down, eyes locking with yours.
“I know your secrets. The things you’ve never told anyone. I know when you fake a smile. I know when you're scared.”
“And when you fall—and you will—I’ll catch you. I always do.”
He reaches across the table, brushing his fingers against your hand.
“Not out of love. Out of design.”
A pause. The candlelight flickers again.
“You thought you were using me?”
He smiles—calm, terrifyingly sure.
“Darling… this was my game from the start.”